Sussex have been eliminated from the English Schools Cup after failing to complete their fixtures.

The under-16s went top of their regional group with a 7-0 demolition of previous leaders Essex at Steyning Grammar School on Saturday.

But despite winning all four of their matches and scoring 23 goals, Sussex were unable to play their remaining game at Middlesex by the February 14 deadline so Essex go through.

Sussex asked Middlesex to concede but they refused.

Sussex secretary Brian Brigden said: "It is heartbreaking for the players. I feel for them and their parents who were so supportive.

"The rules state you must complete all five fixtures. Essex go through even though we were above them on goal difference by 12.

"We offered to play Middlesex on any day last week but they told us they couldn't get a ground and turned down the chance to play us at Eastbourne or Redhill. They were bottom and wouldn't have qualified."

Sussex, whose under-16s' squad is packed with Albion centre of excellence players, appealed to South East Region organisers. Brigden said: "There is a loophole in the rules which state you must complete all games but also says you 'may not qualify" if you don't."

Ray Carter, who is on the regional organising committee, said: "We've got a lot of sympathy but Sussex have failed to play all their games. They've had since September to play five matches and should have played two before Christmas, which they didn't do."

The English Schools' FA refused to extend the deadline for completing matches.

Mike Spinks, ESFA competitions secretary, said: "We feel for the county but the February 14 deadline was set last July. You have to have consistency nationally."

Sussex did not schedule their first match until December and bad weather meant seven matches were postponed.

Sussex can still qualify for the regional play-offs. They have until February 28 to play their final game against Middlesex.

Meanwhile, Sussex Schools under-14s and under-15s have withdrawn from their regional competitions without playing a game.

Brigden said: "We wanted to help ease the fixture congestion that has built up in competitions which only progress to regional level."

Meanwhile, Scott Kirkwood was representing England in a college international against Wales today.

And the 18-year-old midfielder was quick to praise Crawley for helping him achieve international recognition.

Reds went top of the Dr Martens premier on Saturday with victory over Eastbourne Borough.

Kirkwood said before today's game at Hayes: "Playing against adults in a top league has helped me on the physical side."

But his hopes of playing at Villa Park again have been crushed.

He was in the Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College team pipped 3-2 by West Suffolk in the English College Cup quarter-final at Steyning Grammar.

Kirkwood, a former Albion centre of excellence player said: "The final is at Villa Park where I played for Brighton."

Tom Smith and Jack Holroyd scored for BHASVIC.